Your browser is no longer supported

Underfloor heating

Underfloor heating is becoming increasingly popular, both for energy saving and comfort reasons. There are many different systems out there, alongside a variety of fixing and installation methods. Here we look at the different options available to those specifying these products.

Underfloor heating systems allow for greater flexibility in space planning. Replacing radiators within the room, underfloor heating can free up both wall and floor space.

There are two main types of underfloor heating: electric or water. Water-based systems are the most energy-efficient. Electric systems are often thought of as unsustainable, due to the high CO2 emissions associatedwith using mains electricity for heating.

Water-based systems have been found to use up to two-thirds of the energy used by equivalent electrical systems. However, typically they have higher capital costs compared with electric-based systems.

The reaction time of the heating can have a significant effect on both the amount of energy consumed and the comfort of the occupants. Systems can also be used to provide coolness during hot summer months. This is simply done by circulating cold water around the system instead of hot. For higher sustainability targets it can be connected to a ground source heat pump.

Underfloor heating creates a large radiating heat surface which only needs to be a few degrees warmer than the air of the room to be effective. Therefore water temperature can be a lot lower than if radiators were used andthere is the added benefit that the heat source is spread throughout the room.

There are two types of water-based underfloor heating: heat store and fast delivery. Heat store systems consist of pipes laid within a slab or screed. This is slow to heat up, although it stores the heat, and continues releasing it once the system has been turned off. Fast delivery underfloor heating works by pipes being laid above insulation, usually in specially formed trays or panels.

Almost any kind of floor covering can be used above underfloor heating. Tiles are best above a solid or screeded floor, as they add to the thermal mass. However, attention should be paid to the thickness of the tiles, as thiswill affect the amount of time that it takes for the heat to reach the surface. Compatability of timber framing should be checked.

Carpet is the least effective floor covering for use with underfloor heating, as it is insulative and therefore will require the system to be run at higher temperatures.

Ideal Eco

Jupiter Ideal Eco

This system is one of the most ecological on the market, being produced using wood fibre panels rather than polystyrene. The insulative panels offer high levels of sound absorption making it suitable for upper floors.

Ideal EPS

Jupiter Ideal EPS

This dry installed system is made up of polystyrene panels with aluminium heat distribution plates, which ensure the heat is evenly spread across the surface of the floor. Faster installation is achieved as the system requires no wet screed.

Wood22

Terra Therma Wood22

Wood22 is designed to reduce the water temperature required for timber under floor heating, reducing the energy consumption of the system. This is achieved by the heat pipes sitting above the load bearing wood system.

Manufacturer: Terra Therma

Type of system: water

Material: chipboard with aluminium heat distribution plates

Panel depth:22mm

Panel size: 1800 x 600mm

Installation: dry installed and fitted together using tongue and groove system on all four sides

EPS16

Terra Therma EPS16

EPS16 is an ultra slim system for laying over load bearing floors. This low construction height system is made up of slotted insulation boards with an aluminium heat distribution plate which is factory fitted covering the whole board.

Manufacturer: Terra Therma

Type of system: water

Material: polystyrene board with aluminium heat distribution plate

Panel depth: 16mm

Panel size: 1200 x 600mm

Installation: dry installed

Floor covering above: laminates, carpet and timber can be applied above a plywood layer, where tiles are to be installed cross battening should be introduced

Underwood heating system

ProWarm Underwood Heating System

This mat system is specifically designed for use under wooden floors including laminates, engineered and solid wood flooring. The mats are supplied pre-assembled and can range in size from 1m2 to 24m2.

Manufacturer: ProWarm

Type of system: electric

Material: aluminium foil matting with the cable housed within

Mat depth: 2mm

Mat size: 24m x 0.5m

Installation: matting rolled out over floor

Heat output: 140W/m2

Floor covering above: laminate, engineered and solid wood flooring, not suitable for use under tiled floors

Devimat100

Gaia CS Devimat100

This mat system is best used as a supplementary heating system. It is well suited to bathroom, kitchen and other domestic applications. The matting is self-adhesive and therefore avoids any movement of the heating elements.

Underfit Board

John Guest Speedfit Underfit Board

These boards are suitable for installing 15mm tubing over existing floor structures between battens or under floor between existing joints. They allow for the heating system to be installed without affecting the build-up of the floor.

System Plates

Thermoboard System Plates

System plates are plastic interlocking plates which allow the heating pipes to be located within their pre-shaped system. A screed can then be laid surrounding the pipework. The edges of the plates overlap and interlock creating a gap free base.

Pocketed Polystyrene

Thermoboard Pocketed Polystyrene

These machined polystyrene panels can supplement or replace the insulation within the floor. They are quicker to install and therefore offer both time and cost savings over other under floor heating installation systems.

Millimat

Warmaflor Millimat

The Millimat system comprises a twin conductor heating cable fixed to a thin, self-adhesive glass fibre mesh. Due to its thickness, the system is particularly well suited to areas where floor depth is critical.

Manufacturer: Warmafloor

Type of system: electric

Material: cables contained within a glass fibre mesh mat

Mat depth: 4.5mm

Mat size: 0.8 or 0.5m in width with a variety of different lengths available

Installation: matting rolled out over floor and embedded within a screed

Readers' comments
(1)

We sell ribbon under floor heating mat is a primary heating system and can save up to 40% compared to other forms of heating systems.The unique amorphous metal heating element is different from your standard heating element as it is very flat, only 1.8mm in thickness. The ribbon heating elements cover a large surface area so you are getting twice the amount of material per 1m2 compared to other heating mats.

Manufacturer: AHT

Type of system: Electric

Material: Amorphous metal

Size: We offer 19 different sizes

Installation: panels are butted up against each other and taped together

Subscribe to the AJ

The Architects’ Journal is the UK’s best-selling weekly architecture magazine and is the voice of architecture in Britain

About the Architects' Journal

The Architects' Journal is the voice of architecture in Britain. We sit at the heart of the debate about British architecture and British cities, and form opinions across the whole construction industry on design-related matters